The Grotte di Frasassi complex, contained within the Marche regional section of the Apennines, is one of the world’s most grandiose and fascinating subterranean passageways.
Wonderful stalactites and gigantic stalagmites mingle with crystal formations, in a seemingly endless chain of harmonious silhouettes.
It is an extensive itinerary along which a surreal landscape unfolds, like a flower, to reveal an enchanted world that recalls nature’s primordial beginnings.
A complete subterranean ecosystem, where it is still possible to observe the formation of concretions, those droplets which carve and build their own architectural kingdom in which life continues to thrive, as it has done for millions of years.
A beautiful, uncontaminated environment, hidden below the surface, made up of awe-inspiring spaces and full of extraordinary concretions.

Linked to the phenomenon of female monasticism is the hermitage-oratory of Santa Maria Infra Saxa, built in the early Mediaeval Ages, a small building leaning against the rocky wall and half suspended on the overhanging cliff.
In the Beata Vergine cave the enclosed benedectine nuns used to come and pray.
Next to Santa Maria Infra Saxa, right in the center of the cave, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Frasassi, also called Temple of Valadier because it is traditionally attributed to the architect Giuseppe Valadier.
In neoclassical style, it was commissioned in 1819 by Cardinal Annibale della Genga, the future Pope Leone XII, and opened in 1828.
On the altar, a statue of the Virgin and Child in white Carrara marble was venerated, created by Antonio Canova, now housed in the Museum of Genga “Arte Storia Territorio”.

Right at the entrance to the Frasassi Gorge you can find the Abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuse, one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in the center of Italy, founded in the 11th century and built entirely in blocks of limestone.
In front of the abbey we find the Roman bridge over the Sentino river, where in Roman times there was a thermal station, whose source it is still used in the modern spa located nearby.

Speleo-Paleontological and Archaeological museum in San Vittore

Next to the abbey is located the suggestive SpeleoPaleontological and Archaeological museum of San Vittore which was specially established to house an ichthyosaur fossil found in 1976 in the Municipality of Genga, following the construction works of the Gattuccio tunnel along the S.S. 76 Ancona-Fabriano.
It is also possible to see 3D models illustrating the karst phenomena, fossil sediments found in the area, and archeological items including some cinerary urns, dated to the finale Bronze Age.

Genga is a small Mediaeval village, carefully restored, birthplace of Pope Leone XII, one of the Counts of Genga.
The solid defensive walls of the medieval castle are still preserved today, inside which it is possible to appreciate a small group of houses built directly on the rock.
The castle opens onto a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Art History Territory Museum

In the middle of the castle of Genga, the «Arte Storia Territorio» Museum is located, which tells the extroardinary story of this town.
Inside you can admire the copy of the famous Venus of Frasassi of the prehestorical museaum area and in the historical-artistic museaum area there are artifacts ranging from the 15th to the 19th century.
Among these, the precious wooden piece by Antonio Da Fabriano, influenced by Piero della Francesca, stands out.
Finally, the splendid neoclassical statue of the Madonna with Child, a loving and protective mother, originally placed in the church commissioned by the pope himselfinside the Beata Vergine cave.

Pierosara is a Mediaeval stronghold, Castrum Petrosum or Castel Petroso, which stands in a strategic position on a hill close to two gorges, the Frasassi and della Rossa gorges, presumably founded before 1000 AD.
Initially dependent on the Abbey of San Vittore, in 1212 it was subjected to Fabriano, while maintaining great autonomy and sovereignty over a vast area of the surrounding area, until 1809 with the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.

Piero and Sara legend

It is said that the Count of Rovellone, feudal lord of the Rotorscio Castle, met a girl named Sara who lived in Castel Petroso.
Fascinated by the young girl’s beauty, he fell in love with her and decided to kidnap her as she was betrothed to another castellan named Piero.
One night, the feudal lord entered the castle and succeeded in his intent.
However, the locals immediately noticed the crime and to avoid the worst they closed the access doors and began a violent battle against the knights followers of the Count of Rovellone.
During the brawl, the count sorrounded and killed the beautiful Sara held in his arms.
Arrived Piero fell upon the killer, who, brandishing an axe, also struck the unfortunate young man who fell dying near his young beloved and with a last hug died next to her.
To commemorate this sad event, Castel Petroso, from that day on, assumed the name of Pierosara.

Manualis Paper Mill in Fabriano and Frasassi caves, a project of sustainability and uniqueness.

Manualis Paper Mill in Fabriano and Frasassi caves, a project of sustainability and uniqueness.
A product of excellence, 100% made in Italy, is the one of Manualis Paper Mill in Fabriano: each single paper is exclusively handcrafted, a unique piece with a high emotional value.
Manualis Paper Mill not only reflects the most well-known tradition of Fabriano city, but it also adopts highly eco-sustainable techniques, which allow the minimization of the environmental impact, through the use of seasonal plants and rain water usage.
This philosophy fits perfectly with the Frasassi world, an enchanting, untouched and precious area, just like the premium case produced by Manualis paper mill, that wil be given as a gift to those who participate to “The Tourist Passport” project, visiting the main key places of Frasassi.
The premium case is totally handcrafted, made with 100% cotton material, inside which is enclosed a very precious feligree representing the fascinating Temple of Valadier, along with the certificate of Honorary Citizenship of Frasassi personally signed by the Mayor of Genga.
An unforgettable memory that you can take home about this wonderful experience here in Frasassi!